Events

Geology Hike or Snowshoe Feb, 21

Greenbelt Director of Development Cathy Lanois will be leading this fun hike/snowshoe through the woods behind the Pingree School in Hamilton. Cathy's expertise in geology adds interest to this winter hike, where you'll notice the shape of the land and learn about how this area was formed eons ago.

WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am

WHERE: Pingree Woodlot, behind the Pingree School in Hamilton, MA

*Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Forest Foray Feb, 24

Greenbelt is partnering with Boxford Trails Association/Boxford Open Land Trust to bring you a guided hike/snowshoe through Lockwood Forest. We'll discover a portion of the Bay Circuit Trail and learn about the conservation and ecology of the area.

WHERE: Lockwood Forest, Boxford, MA

WHEN: Sunday, February 24, 2019. 1:00-3:00 pm

*Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

The Bird Ranger Feb, 26

The Bird Ranger: No Time, Only Tide, a film by Hans den Hartog 

Click here to watch the film's trailer

WHERE: Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport

WHEN: Tuesday, February 26, 6:30-8:30pm

FREE

The work of bird rangers in European Nature Reserve “De Boschplaat” on Terschelling not merely consists of guarding the reserve. Hosting, providing information, monitoring and making inventories are equally important. The last professional bird ranger from Staatsbosbeheer, Oene de Jong, takes us on a journey into this extraordinary world, through a beautiful, dynamic landscape. Retired rangers share their stories, supported by unique footage, philosophical anecdotes and beautiful time-lapse photography. All this manifests the importance of the bird ranger history and its great value to the cultural-historical heritage of this West Frisian Island. Besides "De Boschplaat," the filmmaker also visits "Engelsmanplaat" and "Rottumerplaat," two unique islands in the Wadden Sea World Heritage site where Bird Rangers are permanently stationed during breeding seasons.

Filmmaker: Hans den Hartog

Length: 68 minutes

Discussion to follow.

Photo credit: Jerry Monkman, http://ecophotography.com/

Merrimack River Evolution Mar, 14

John Macone, of the Merrimack River Watershed Council, shares a historical and ecological perspective on the evolution of the Merrimack River and its valley.

WHERE: HC Media Studio 101, Haverhill

WHEN: Thursday, March 14, 7:00-8:30pm

FREE

Wetland Wonders Mar, 21

Greenbelt partners with Haverhill Trails Committee to present this scenic hike in Meadow Brook Conservation Area.

We'll discover wetlands, meadows, streams and the Millvale Reservoir on our hike. 

WHERE: Meadow Brook Conservation Area, Haverhill, MA

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am

Jenkins Sawmill Guided Hike Mar, 24

Local historian and expert on stone walls and ruins, James Gage, will take us on a guided hike around the Jenkins Sawmill site in Harold Parker State Forest. We'll pass ponds, follow streams, and cut through a field of giant boulders on our walk to discover the history of the sawmill and its surroundings.

WHERE: Harold Parker State Forest

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2019. 1:00-3:00

Between Land and Sea Mar, 28

Dorothy Monnelly, photographer, will show a selection of her photographs and discuss her work in and around the Great Marsh, including her observations of how the landscape has changed over the years. The title of the event, Between Land and Sea, is also the title of her 2007 collection of 57 gelatin silver prints. Mrs. Monnelly will also discuss her most recent work in book form, Waterforms, inspired by the shapes and textures created by water along our coast and throughout the marsh.

WHERE: Peirce Farm Great Room, Topsfield

WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 6:00-7:30pm

FREE

Photo credit: Dorothy Kerper Monnelly

Family Nature Series - Vernal Pools Apr, 06

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present this outdoor Vernal Pools program for families.

Come discover what lives in these ponds that appear in the spring and then disappear by summer. We'll scoop up some pond water to see who lives there, we'll look under nearby logs for wiggly salamanders, and we'll touch slimy frog egg masses (the ones that don't have frogs in them-- no frogs will be harmed!). Wear your Wellington boots so you can go right up to the edge of the pond!

WHERE: Farnsworth Reservation, North Andover

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2019. 4:00-6:00pm 

FREE

Mushroom Identification Part 1 Apr, 06

Join Boston Mycological Society's Gary Gilbert to learn how to identify numerous mushrooms found in our area and beyond. You'll learn about the different parts of a mushroom, with lots of colorful photos and hands-on practice. Bring your notebook!
Saturday is Part 1 and Sunday is Part 2.

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 11:00-12:30

WHERE: Cox Reservation farmhouse
82 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA 

Mushroom Identification Part 2 Apr, 07

Join Boston Mycological Society's Gary Gilbert to learn how to identify more mushrooms found in our area and beyond. You'll learn about the different parts of a mushroom and how to spot subtle differences. Bring your notebook!
Saturday is Part 1 and Sunday is Part 2.

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 11:00-12:30

WHERE: Cox Reservation farmhouse
82 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA

Photo by Ken Aspeslagh

More Than the Merrimack Apr, 11

More Than the Merrimack: How Three Rivers Shaped Lawrence

Lecture by Groundwork Lawrence staff members:

Brad Buschur, Project Director

Lesly Melendez, Deputy Director

WHERE: Groundwork Lawrence, Lawrence

WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 6:00-7:30pm

FREE

Photo: Spicket River from Costello Park, Lawrence

InHABIT A Permaculture Perspective Apr, 13

Greenbelt is partnering with iFarm to host a screening of InHABIT: A Permaculture Perspective.

WHERE: iFarm, Boxford

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 1:00-3:00pm

COST: $10 general public; $5 Greenbelt members
RSVP on iFarm's website

Use coupon code INHABIT to get your Greenbelt member discount!

Click here to watch the film's trailer

Today we hear a great deal about the ways humans cause damage to the planet. But what if humans could meet their needs while healing the earth? INHABIT: A Permaculture Perspective takes a look at the environmental challenges we face and the answers permaculture can offer. It was filmed in 2015 and was an official selection of the Yale Environmental Film Festival and and Princeton Environmental Film Festival.

Following the screening, there will be a short presentation and garden tour demonstrating permaculture at iFarm and simple steps homeowners can take to create gardens that produce beautiful fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs; are more self-sustaining; require less labor; and support pollinators in more powerful ways. The screening will be held indoors in the heated Carriage House.

Children under age 3 are free.

Beverly Commons Hike Apr, 18

Beverly Commons Conservation Area is 126 acres of trails of all kinds-- soft dirt, rock slabs, bog bridge, and old carriage road. Learn about the history of the conservation area while we get our arms and legs moving on this fun hike.

WHERE: Beverly Commons Conservation Area, Beverly, MA
at the end of Greenwood Ave. 
(please note: This is not the same as the small, grassy "Common," which is downtown near the library)

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2019. 9:30-11:30am 

Bird Expedition Apr, 28

Join Greenbelt and a local guide to find great birding spots at Mazurenko Farm and Carter Hill. There is a wildlife viewing platform overlooking a pond and surrounding wetlands where herrons nest. Just across the road is another trail system that leads to fields and a copse of locust trees, as well as ash, pine and birch.

WHERE: Carter Fields, Boxford/North Andover

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2019. 1:00-3:00 pm

Forest Bathing Workshop May, 14

Nadine Mazzola will lead us in a Forest Bathing workshop, a multi-sensory experience in nature.  The practice originated in Japan where it is called shinrin-yoku.

Mazzola, a certified Forest Therapy Guide, trainer and mentor, will explain why taking a leisurely walk in the woods is proven by scientists to benefit physical as well as mental health. Its positive effects are said to last a month following each weekend in the woods. 

Forest Bathing was recently the subject of Windows to the World.  Watch Video 

WHERE:  Julia Bird Reservation, Ipswich

WHEN:  Tuesday, May 14, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

FEE: $25

DIRECTIONS & PARKING:  Click Here

Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Andover Hike - AVIS Celebration May, 16

Explore connected properties-- Indian Ridge, West Parish Meadow, and Baker's Meadow-- in historic Andover. We'll follow the shores of a pond with waterlilies, swans, a beaver deceiver; walk along an ancient ridgeline trail; and stroll through wild meadow grasses and flowers. In partnership with AVIS (Andover Village Improvement Society) as they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

WHERE: Indian Ridge Reservation, Andover, MA

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am.

Family Nature Series - Birds - Bees - Butterflies May, 18

Celebrate and learn about honey bees, butterflies and the other pollinators so important to our flowers and food supply on May 18, Family Pollinator Day.

There is much to learn about these hard-working pollinators. With kid-friendly activities, attendees with learn about the many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, including chocolate and coffee they help bring us.

WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 18, 10am - 1pm

WHERE:  COX RESERVATION, ESSEX

FREE

Eyes on Owls at iFarm May, 19

Mark and Marcia founded Eyes On Owls in 1994 as a way to rescue owls that are injured (often by cars) and cannot be returned to the wild. Eyes On Owls helps the public understand these magnificent animals and the best ways to protect them.

Eyes On Owls will share the field marks, signs and naturalist’s skills that you can use to see wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close.  They will also share tips on how to protect owls near you.

Explore the world of owls with two talented naturalists and their six lively owls on a beautiful summer day at iFarm!

All attendees aged 3 and up require a ticket for this event.

Visit iFarm's website to register. Use the code GREENBELT to get $10 tickets ($18 without the code).

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 2019. 11:00am-12:00pm

WHERE: iFarm, 55 Towne Rd., Boxford, MA 

Wild Edibles Walk May, 21

Enjoy nibbling on edible plants at Cox Reservation with local expert Russ Cohen. You'll learn to identify common species in this area and explore the wild edibles to be found along the marsh.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21. 6:00-8:00pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, Essex, MA 

Family Nature Series - Wild Edibles for Kids Jun, 15

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present a yummy walk around Cox Reservation where you'll munch on edible plants on the property.

Your guide, Andrew Prazar, will show you how to spot edible plants and teach us about what to eat and what not to eat outdoors. Of course, we'll try a few of the most tasty edible treats!

Some plants we might taste include Juneberries, Dandelions, Lamb's Quarters, Cattails, Milkweed, and Pineapple Weed flowers. You'll also learn about nuts that come from local trees and we'll hunt for some other fun plants like Sassafrass and Beach Plum.

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 4:00-6:00 pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA

FREE

*Parents- Give a call or send an email if you have any questions! 978-768-7241, ext. 17 or jane@ecga.org

Wild Edibles for Kids Jun, 15

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Program present a wild edibles walk for families. Explore beautiful Cox Reservation in Essex where you'll find plants to eat and animals to observe throughout fields and on the marsh.

WHERE: Cox Reservation
82 Eastern Ave., Essex
parking is easy-- follow the signs!

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 4:00-6:00 pm

Guided Paddle Jun, 17

Greenbelt and Ipswich River Watershed Association invite you to paddle down the river with us! We'll learn about the river and the green space that surrounds it.

Bring your own canoe/kayak or paddle one of ours! Just let us know in advance if you'd like to borrow a boat by emailing Jane at jane@ecga.org. We have PFDs, too!

WHERE: Ipswich River Watershed headquarters at Riverbend, 143 County Rd. (which is 1A), Ipswich.

WHEN: Sunday, June 16, 1:00-3:00 pm

**Please arrive early to launch so we can head down the river promptly at 1:00!

Stone Tower Walk Jun, 20

Greenbelt and Friends of Lynn Woods invite you to explore this beautiful forest. We'll walk to the Stone Tower and enjoy the view from the top.

Please note, this hike is hilly and may be strenuous for some. You may wish to bring trekking poles.

WHERE: Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA
Parking location TBA

WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 9:30-11:30 am

Rafton Reservation Hike Jun, 23

Greenbelt and the Andover Village Improvement Society invite you on a partner hike to help celebrate AVIS's 125 Anniversary in land conservation. 

Rafton Reservation is one of the jewels of Andover's open space. Local expert Jeff Lafontaine will be leading the hike and will give us a bit of history of the reservation and interesting tidbits about the area.

WHERE: Rafton Reservation, Andover
Parking location TBA

WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 1:00-3:00 pm

Family Nature Series - Discover the Salt Marsh Aug, 03

Discover the ecosystem of the Salt Marsh! Wear your muck boots to tromp through the marsh grass to meet insects, fish, horseshoe crabs, algae, and all sorts of marshland birds like herrons and maybe an osprey.

WHEN: Saturday, August 3, 4:00-6:00pm

WHERE: Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowley

FREE